In order to determine that your video security system is performing optimally, it’s a good idea to schedule regular system maintenance. This enables you to protect your investment and ensure that you’re getting the best performance out of your security system.

We’ve put together our top tips for maintaining your system.

1. Trim Landscaping

Take a look at your outdoor camera locations and make sure that each camera has a clear view. Keep vines, bushes, trees and other landscaping near cameras neat and trimmed, to prevent camera obstruction.

There’s nothing worse than reviewing video, only to realize that a tree branch was blocking your camera view. You’ll also want to remove any bird or wasp nests and spider webs near your security cameras.

2. Clean Camera Lenses

Check your indoor and outdoor camera lenses to make sure that the lenses are clean. Look for dust, smudges, water spots and other undesirable elements on your lenses. If lenses are dirty, you won’t get a clear shot, even if you have a high resolution camera. Clean your camera lenses regularly to ensure optimal image quality.

You can start by using a can of compressed air to blow air at the lens to remove any loose debris and wipe the lens very gently with a microfiber cloth.

3. Check Camera Housing

Are your camera enclosures still weatherproof? You’ll want to open the housing of your security cameras to check for water, condensation and dirt, in order to confirm that the camera enclosures are still protecting your security cameras from the elements.

4. Make Sure Cabling is Securely Connected

Check all of your cable connections, including those connected to your security cameras, DVR and monitor to ensure that all of your cables are securely connected and receiving power. Also look for cables to see if they are showing signs of wear. If there is any exposed wire, you need to replace the cable.

All outdoor cameras must be sealed at entry and the cable must have a drip loop. Creating a U-shaped drip loop with your cables will prevent water from pooling and seeping inside your camera.

5. Look for Corrosion

Take a look at your connectors for corrosion. Be sure to replace any connectors that show signs of corrosion, because it can cause your equipment to short out.

6. Remove Dust from Your DVR

Over time, your DVR can develop a layer of dust if you don’t dust it regularly and it may affect your DVR’s performance. Frequently wipe your security DVR with a microfiber cloth, and used a can of compress air to remove dust from crevices. It’s not recommended to remove your DVR enclosure.

7. Check Your Power Supplies

Frequently check your security system’s power supplies to ensure that your system hasn’t lost power due to tampering, a storm, a brown out or some other unwanted event. If you have a UPS, take a look at the unit to make sure that the battery is fully charged and does not show any warning lights.

You’ll also want to use a voltmeter to guarantee that your cameras are getting their full power requirements. Providing a camera with too much or too little power can cause it to fail more rapidly, and it’s much cheaper to replace a power supply than it is to replace a security camera.

If you perform regular scheduled maintenance for your security system, you’ll continue to protect your investment and get the most out of your video security system.